As we reported earlier in August, for the next 12 weeks residents in Edinburgh are being asked for their opinions on the proposals for extending the tram network from north to south. The proposed new route would travel from Granton in the north of the city to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary in the south. With the consultation now open (it opened on 25th August) the Council have released more details about the plans.
The 12-week consultation will help to inform the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC). This will then be presented to the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee in 2026 ahead of decisions being made on whether to progress with plans (and ahead of any funding being made available).
The route is being split into three main sections, with the public being asked for their opinions on all of them.
Granton to the City Centre
From Granton to Ferry Road/Crewe Toll there is a single route proposed.
It then gets controversial as from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll there are two alternative routes being considered – the Orchard Brae corridor or the Roseburn Path.
- Orchard Brae – route would head to the west end of Princes Street along Orchard Brae, Queensferry Road (via the Dean Bridge) and Queensferry Street. Its estimated this option would cost £650m-£850m and would carry 3.75m passengers per year by 2042.
- Roseburn Path – route connects to the existing line west of Haymarket via an old railway line which winds from Ferry Road/Crewe Toll before reaching Craigleith and heading towards the west end and city centre. This option is estimated to cost £350m-£480m and could carry 4.25m passengers per year by 2042.
Whilst the Roseburn Path route was declared the preferred route in 2024, this is highly controversial locally with it having become a popular cycle path and green corridor. As a result it has been agreed to look at both routes during the consultation. There is also an examination of the potential to install high quality walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path, and look at the potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network.
City Centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infimary
This would start on Princes Street on the existing tramway to allow bus and rail interchange in the heart of the city centre. It would then cross North Bridge, and run through Nicholson Street, Newington and on to Cameron Toll, then west towards BioQuarter and the Royal Infirmary.
Potential extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian
The Council are also working closely with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran, the regional transport partnership, about potential future mass transit connections beyond the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
This includes a possible tram-train service on the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway plus connections with Musselburgh Railway Station and Queen Margaret University and to Shawfair with interchange opportunities into Midlothian and Scottish Borders.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service. We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
“Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this. Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
“Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
“The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come. I’d encourage everyone to engage with this consultation and help to shape the next chapter in the history of Edinburgh’s transport.”
The entire route from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary is forecast to cost between £2bn and £2.9bn (depending on route selected) and is estimated to carry approximately 38m passengers by 2042.
- The consultation can be viewed online at https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south/